Slum Characteristics of a Deplorable Residential District of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The reality of the inner core of cities becoming slums generally tended to follow the theoretical path established by Burgess. Adapting the tenets of his classical planning model to describe the spatial distribution of land-use in Akure, this study attempts to investigate the factors responsible for the formation of slums and how the city’s centre become degraded. Method of investigation is essentially both descriptive and analytical based on field survey. The study examined the existing situation in the study area in terms of its housing system and the condition of infrastructure facilities available in the neighbourhood. It also examined the socio-economic status of respondents, their perception of the living environments and problems experienced. Questionnaires, observation, housing demographic and facility survey are major research instruments used to gather relevant information for the study. The empirical survey carried out in the area revealed the high degree of deplorable conditions of the living environments and the inadequacy of essential facilities for comfortable living. The area is crowded with derelict buildings that lack basic household services. For these reasons, extensive development and upgrading renewal efforts were recommended, which should be supported with improved sanitation strategy for sustainable management of the area.

Keywords: Deplorable condition, Degradation, Poverty level, Proliferation of slums,Re-development and Urban management.